AMMAN, Jordan (AP) -- The military chief of Libya's internationally recognized government says in an interview that he is "betting on a military solution" if U.N.-led talks fail to end a conflict that has split the country in half.

The internationally recognized government and elected parliament have been confined to the east of Libya since Islamist-allied militias seized the capital Tripoli last year and set up a rival government.

The two sides are negotiating in Morocco to end months of fighting. The United Nations wants to keep Libya's elected parliament and set up a unity government led by independents.

Gen. Khalifa Hifter, who commands troops in the east, expressed skepticism Tuesday about the U.N. efforts.

He told The Associated Press that if there is no political solution, "we are betting on the military solution."